CHINOISERIE CHIC: GET THE LOOK

invitations, plates, chairs: chiavari [available at most party rental vendors], candlesticks, candles, goblets, silverware, tablecloth fabrics

CHINOISERIE CHIC

Whether its the fun patterns, bright colors, or bamboo inspired design lines - Chinoiserie has been on my radar. For summer, its the perfect underpinning for a fabulous and lively party....

mixing this tropical pattern with the chinoise plates feels a little bit tropical, but still feminine enough for a bridal or baby shower.

[via] everything fabulous

A TIFFANY BOX BEDROOM

A client of mine is a recent college grad who is eager to have a stylish place on a tight budget. After she had painted her walls a pretty tiffany blue, and moved in her lovely distressed white/tiffany blue dresser - she felt like she didn't know how to make the room come together the way she had envisioned...

So, I helped her by putting together this board, and went to work. I felt that a "Tiffany's Box" room could quickly turn juvenille with too much bling, so I chose some other "sparkly" accessories that still felt grown up. The glass bubble pendants hanging over each side table give ambiance and glimmer. While these mirrored dressers were way over budget, I found some similar at Home Goods for a fraction of the price. At Ikea we found this bed which is similar to what she was originally looking at. Its clean lines and color make it the perfect base for the already bright room. By adding the white bedding with a hint of aqua, it all ties together. The best part? The mock restoration hardware bedding is actually Fieldcrest for Target!

grey pillow, aqua pillow, curtains, moroccan vases, picture frames

Need some help with your space? Contact me!

WEDDING ON THE WEEKEND

When I came across this gorgeous anniversary party styled by Lisa Vorce on Style Me Pretty, I was just filled with delight. Its so similar to what I have imagined for my own wedding...

The backyard feeling with some classic and glamorous elements...

all white flowers, accented by gleaming glass, and soft grays and pinks.

these little lounge areas do so much to make weddings feel a little more relaxed, and more like a cocktail hour to just lounge about and enjoy the evening. 

Outdoor evening weddings need an not only a source of light, but ambiance. This pretty table with the floating candles does just that...

IM IN LOVE WITH...

 Plates: Jonathan Adler Greek Key Plates, Flatware: DVF Powerstone Flatware Sofa: Z Gallerie iPad Case: Graphic Image Ginger Jars: Williams Sonoma Home Friendship Bracelets: Ariel Gordon Gold Bag: Kate Spade  Clutch: K. Slademade Shoes: Pinterest Table: Oomph Online Notepads: Dabney Lee

WHEN LIFE GIVES YOU LEMONS...

... Use them! Anna Spiro of Absolutely Beautiful Things can do no wrong. Yesterday as I perused her blog, I noticed a common theme that deferred slightly from her usual large bouquets of big, beautiful flowers. Bright, happy, summery lemons.  They're not only fresh and delicious in the kitchen...

the perfect punch for the space above, and a lovely subtle elegance below when the leaves are kept on!

An added bonus, they last for much longer than flowers and won't affect your allergies. I think i'm going to get out a lovely little tray today and do some arranging myself!

MOMENTS OF DECADENCE

Well styled vignettes are a constant source of inspiration for me. The following however, pack that little extra punch. They're not just well styled, or filled with necessarily colorful and bold combinations... they offer a hint of decadence and luxury that can be emulated in any home.

this bedroom is the perfect example of how to dress up and otherwise awkward and vacant space to make it feel cozy, and glamorous.

probably a small tray on a dresser, this is a great example of how to pull out a few of your favorite perfumes, some of your most beautiful jewelry, and by adding a few flowers and a candle for a little ambiance, you have easily created a decadent vignette.

[via] lonny magazine, domino magazine, la dolce vita, pinterest

COLOR COMBINATION: PINK+CHARTREUSE

Pink and chartreuse has long been a favorite color combination, its deep yet playful, exotic yet classic, and always pleasing to look at. I've seen so many great pieces this season in these colors, here are a few things I'm loving right now!

chair: oomph online, Shoes: Shoelust, Silverware and Towels: DVF Home, Plate: Anthropologie, Painting: Cocoa & Hearts, Chandelier: Shades of Light, Cosmetics Box: Birch Box

It feels a little Palm Beach Chic, right? I love this combinations femininity without being overdone.

PATTERN PLAY

The art of mixing prints is a fine one, and the designer of this space has mastered that skill.

Tribal, mixed with contemporary, classic, and given base by a gorgeous persian rug this bedroom is as intriguing as it is visually pleasing...

As if the patterns weren't enough stimulation, the linen wallpaper, mother of pearl chandelier, and natural wood give the room texture and coziness.

[via] delight by design

What keeps this space fresh and clean despite its business is the common white in all of the patterns, as well as the curtains which also keep the room feeling light and bright!

FEMININE + SWEET

Sometime when I think back on the only apartment I ever had by myself, I wish I would have erred a lot more feminine that I did. Don't get me wrong- it was a cute apartment, but this little bachelorette pad designed by Samantha Pynn is just dripping with girly delight...

To give these old chairs new life, she painted them this sweet blue color, and had them reupholstered to be sunny and fun!

When they say "its all in the details" it certainly holds true for this apartment, by mixing the pretty mirror and antique styled lamp with these more contemporary and polished dressers- the look is soft and personal.

The way that these bookcases are filled to the brim yet still styled, is something I totally envy, they almost look like display cases for her life. And- who doesn't love a great little bar space?

ALL FOR TOILE

My earliest memories of my love for design, included a slight infatuation with toile. Maybe its a testament to why I'm still a huge francophile.  A classic pattern that really has never lost its allure only becomes more exciting in the bold colors and sometimes tropical sceneries it is now offered in...

While toile isn't as widely used today, I still get a little ping of happiness everytime I see it used in a beautiful space.

... or tablescape for that matter.

Its really a perfect pattern to make a small bathroom come to life.

... or a breakfast nook.

[via] lonny mag, pink wallpaper, decorpad, kelley moore

what do you think? are you all for toile?

CLASSICAL/CONTEMPORARY BY KEN FULK

Yesterday I picked up the June issue of House Beautiful and page by page my jaw continued to rest itself on the floor.  It was full of absolutely stunning content, but the feature of Ken Fulk's work in this gorgeous town home was my favorite...

Using pieces of great historical character, he somehow 

effortlessly make these spaces contemporary and fresh. 

I love the classical features in rich colors paired with crisp whites.

the use of textures and simple color palette throughout the house makes it warm and inviting

[via] house beautiful